Controversy Erupts Over Deleted Podcast Tied to HAWK Token Surge

Leaked episode triggers unexpected price spike amid legal battles.

The troubled HAWK token project, linked to Hailey Welch—popularly known as the “Hawk Tuah girl”—faced fresh controversy this week following the brief posting and swift deletion of a podcast episode addressing its failed launch. Welch’s “Talk Tuah” podcast featured crypto influencers FaZe Clan CEO Richard "FaZe Banks" Bengtson, DeGods creator Frank (Rohun Vora), and content creator Threadguy, marking Welch’s first public comments since the December 2024 Solana-based meme coin debacle.

During the episode, Welch candidly reflected on the failed token launch, where 80% of the supply remained with the deployer, causing a rapid price collapse. “I’m still a little shook up about it,” she admitted, highlighting her shock over the project's mismanagement.

The podcast’s quick deletion did little to quell interest, as leaked versions spread rapidly across social media. This viral circulation coincided with a surprising market reaction: HAWK token prices temporarily doubled before stabilizing with a 9% gain, raising eyebrows about potential market manipulation.

FaZe Banks quickly expressed frustration on X (formerly Twitter), claiming the episode’s release violated agreed-upon terms. According to Banks, conditions for the episode’s publication included assurances against its use for market manipulation and commitments from Welch’s team to resolve outstanding profit issues tied to the token. “Now today, the episode ‘randomly’ gets leaked. The price of HAWK is pumping, and they completely fumbled the bag, yet again,” Banks posted, implying that the leak might have been intentional to influence HAWK’s market value.

Market data from CoinMarketCap supported Banks' concerns, showing the HAWK token peaking at $0.00078 during the trading frenzy. The surge sparked speculation that the podcast’s leak was strategically timed to trigger renewed interest in the nearly worthless meme coin.

Legal complications further cloud the situation. Welch is reportedly cooperating with lawyers suing her former business partners over the HAWK token launch. Legal filings allege misconduct and mismanagement that left retail investors exposed to significant losses. Welch maintains that she had limited knowledge of the token’s technical and financial underpinnings, a claim echoed by her podcast guests.

Despite repeated inquiries, Welch’s representatives have not commented on the podcast’s deletion or the subsequent price movements. The silence has fueled speculation within the crypto community about internal conflicts and possible legal strategies.

The HAWK token, launched in December 2024, quickly descended into controversy following its price collapse, drawing widespread criticism and prompting Welch to step back from public appearances. The current market capitalization and trading volume remain well below launch levels, with the token’s value fluctuating in response to sporadic media attention.

As of February 6, 2025, the HAWK token continues to trade at a fraction of its initial value. Legal battles surrounding the project are ongoing, with Welch’s cooperation hinting at deeper issues within the team behind the token. This latest controversy adds to the growing list of questions about transparency, accountability, and the risks of influencer-backed crypto projects.

photo source / Blockonome